I think there's more variation than just reach 1 or reach 2. A 2-handed sword will outreach a monk for instance, while if you try and use a dagger you really do have to get up close and personal with an enemy .
So that (amongst other things I'm sure) a lightly armoured person with a long reach weapon can attack from 'behind' a tank who's engaged with a short reach weapon, thus avoiding taking any damage.
You can kill stucked big creatures without fear, if you position well a character with long reach. Adamantine golems, Otyughs have 1 range, so you can chomp them with a longsword or stab them with a long stick through a narrow doorway. As @dunbar said, there are other possible uses as well.
Large critters no long suffer from that problem in EE. Otyughs have increased range and Iron Golems have a smaller circle, allowing them to fit in smaller spaces.
I think it's actually a subversion of developer intent: every single Iron and Adamantite Golem in all of BG2, from the De'Arnise Hold to Suldannessellar, is right next to a choke point they originally could not get past. It was clear that attacking from a safe distance was very much intended.
I'm considering a custom party with all reach melee weapons and wanted to be sure of the options available. I wonder if it would ease combat if all reach was used.
I have been playing a lot more with quarterstaffs in recent times. The reach helps avoid most touch attacks and kiting is much, much easier. If you time it right you can avoid all damage and still take down your foes, assuming they do not have long reach weapons as well.
Large critters no long suffer from that problem in EE. Otyughs have increased range and Iron Golems have a smaller circle, allowing them to fit in smaller spaces.
I think it's actually a subversion of developer intent: every single Iron and Adamantite Golem in all of BG2, from the De'Arnise Hold to Suldannessellar, is right next to a choke point they originally could not get past. It was clear that attacking from a safe distance was very much intended.
So now i have to use the more realistic "an invisible member stay in the door, while we hit the golem" trick? Nice!
Comments
Most other single handed melee weapons = 1 range
Two-handed melee weapons (and monk fists) = 2 range
There are further exceptions (like the staff mace has 2). But the above generally should be the case.
An honest question.
I think it's actually a subversion of developer intent: every single Iron and Adamantite Golem in all of BG2, from the De'Arnise Hold to Suldannessellar, is right next to a choke point they originally could not get past. It was clear that attacking from a safe distance was very much intended.
Thanks, guys.